Police said they had arrested 54 suspected gang members during overnight patrols in residential areas of Juba last week to curb crime in the capital.
Police spokesperson Daniel Justin told Radio Tamazuj on Tuesday that those arrested during Friday’s operation included 37 boys and 17 girls. The operation targeted suspected criminal gangs accused of fueling insecurity in residential neighborhoods, he said.
Preliminary investigations indicated that many of those detained were involved in alcohol abuse and gang-related violence, according to Justin.
“Most of those arrested were involved in alcohol abuse and gang-related fighting,” he said.
Justin said police separated juveniles from adults in line with legal requirements.
Most suspects under the age of 18 were released into the custody of their parents or guardians, while criminal cases had been opened against adult suspects, who will face prosecution, he said.
“Most of the juveniles were handed over to their parents, while cases have been filed against the adults to face prosecution,” Justin said.
He urged residents to cooperate with law enforcement by promptly reporting gang-related incidents and other criminal activity.
“We encourage members of the public to report incidents of gang violence to the nearest police station so that security agencies can respond promptly and improve safety in our communities,” he said.
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